Customs set to eliminate import duties on renewable energy technologies

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced its commitment to support the shift toward clean energy by facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies into the country.

Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller-general of Customs (CGC), disclosed this in Lagos on Monday during the NCS Trade Facilitation Consultative Forum, themed “Trade Facilitation Measures for Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies”.

Speaking on behalf of Adeniyi, Caroline Niagwan, deputy comptroller-general on Tariff and Trade Facilitation, said Customs would intensify efforts to ease the importation of essential equipment such as solar panels by ensuring they are duty-free and exempt from value added tax (VAT).

He said this aligns with the federal government’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

“The federal government continues to champion policies that foster investment, ensure sustainability, and promote responsible industrial practices, as outlined in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP),” Adeniyi said.

As part of its green trade agenda, the NCS has begun classifying renewable energy equipment under specific Harmonised System (HS) codes, allowing for more consistent and predictable treatment of such imports.

Adeniyi added that these actions support the Green Customs Initiative, a global program that enhances customs’ capacity to enforce multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).

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In his remarks, Charles Orbih, assistant comptroller-general in charge of Zone ‘A’, emphasized the importance of adapting customs processes to meet global sustainability goals.

“Our focus on renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies showcases our innovative approach to customs administration, adapting to evolving global priorities and consumer demands,” he said.

Highlighting the role of trade in energy reform, Mahmud Mamman, permanent secretary of the federal ministry of power, said simplifying customs procedures and reducing trade barriers will accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions.

Mamman said this will make it easier and more cost-effective to import renewable energy equipment such as solar panels, batteries, and ultimately enhance energy access and efficiency across the country.

Representing the European Union (EU), Massimo De Luca, head of cooperation, reaffirmed the EU’s support for Nigeria’s energy transition and sustainable development efforts.

“We are proud to support Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda and energy transition plan through our extensive cooperation with the German Government,” De Luca said.

“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to the principles of partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.”